CLEO LAINE
How to describe this unique British jazz singer who phrases a lyric so masterfully? Imagine the cool, near-dead, drained voice of June Christy, the sultry regret of Billie Holiday, and some unexpectedly dusky low notes, and you've got the idea. Joining Laine is a quartet featuring her musical soul-mate of several decades, nimble reedman John Dankworth. Also Fri Aug 1 and Sat Aug 2 with sets at 8 pm and 10 pm, as well as Sun Aug 3 with sets at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave, 441-9729, $19.50/$23.50.
FRIDAY AUGUST 1
MUSIC FOR CLASSICAL GUITAR
Guitarists Robert Vierschilling and Paul Madryga tackle music by Phillip Houghton, Thomas Robinson, Mauro Giuliani, and Diego Maximo Pujol. Proceeds support the Janice Gockel Scholarship Fund for need-based financial aid at Music Center of the Northwest. Music Center of the Northwest, 901 N 96th St, 526-8443, 7:30 pm, $10-$15 suggested donation.
SEWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE
It must be my week for misunderstanding gigs. At first I thought this was some strange take on Tears for Fears' failed comeback single. Instead, it's a benefit for CoCA's Sewing Seeds of Love Everywhere exhibition. Performers include Olympia's punk-jazz outfit Old Time Relijun, Sam Mickens of the Degenerate Art Ensemble, and Black Lodge, a duo consisting of saxophonist Gregory Reynolds and electronicist Jason Anderson. Also, Gust Burns premieres a new work for piano, Retrieve the Wheel. CoCA, 1420 11th Ave, 728-1980, 8 pm, $5-$15.
PROJECT W
Alto saxophonist Wally Shoup's free-improvising powerhouse trio promises to "inject a little frenzy and occult order into an otherwise pleasant First Friday art walk in lovely Columbia City." It's a good bet they will. Keep your eyes open for some of Shoup's vibrant paintings adorning the walls. With Brent Arnold (cello) and Greg Campbell (drums). Garde Rail Gallery, 4860 Rainier Ave S, 721-0107, 8:30 pm, free.
SATURDAY AUGUST 2
ROBERT RICH
Electronic music composer and performer Robert Rich straddles the boundaries among ambient, New Age, and avant music. Rich compares favorably to Vangelis--not the lame, noodly Vangelis of Direct or Mythodea (is anyone keeping track anymore?) but the ambitious, better-than-prog symphonic sweep of Heaven and Hell, or the squiggly sirens of Beaubourg. Rich builds and modifies his own synths, too. Bring a pillow. Secluded Alley Works, 113 12th Ave, 679-9143, 8 pm, $12/$17.
MONDAY AUGUST 4
SOUND OF THE BRUSH
I'm still kicking myself for going to the Kronos Quartet performance of Terry Riley's Sun Rings instead of hearing violinist Tari Nelson-Zagar, who played that same night a few weeks ago. Sun Rings was passable, but did not match Riley's outstanding string quartet piece Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector. And why Riley started almost every movement with a semi-funky loop created from "star sounds" is beyond me. Anyway, I'm glad I've got a second chance; Nelson-Zagar is one of our burg's better improvisers. CoCA, 1420 11th Ave, 728-1980, 8:30 pm, donation requested.
